Over the past eight months, the coronavirus has altered every aspect of our lives. From how we go to the grocery store to interacting with friends, family, and strangers. Travel has been hit especially hard, and the cruise lines may be the ones taking the hardest hit.
Back in March, the CDC issued a “no sail order” from any US port, meaning cruise ships had to immediately stop sailing as a result of the increased cases on US soil and the amount of COVID-19 issues seen on cruise ships at the beginning of the pandemic. This no sail order was extended several times over the past eight months, but as of November 1, 2020, cruise ships can begin sailing again… well, sort of.
As an avid cruiser myself, seeing the cruise ships struggling has really hit home. 2020 was the year of my family’s dream vacation: a 7-night Mediterranean cruise making stops in Venice, Rome, Naples, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. Unfortunately, like many other cruisers, we had to make the decision on whether to wait out the virus or cancel our trip. We ultimately decided to reschedule our trip for July 2021 in the hope that life is back to normal by then.
Although a few cruise lines have been sailing in Europe over the past couple months, the CDC lifting its no sail order is a huge step for the cruise industry. However, sailing will not go back to normal any time soon, and passengers aren’t even allowed on board just yet. Here is what the CDC has outlined in their return to cruising plan:
- No ship will set sail with passengers immediately.
- Cruise companies must be certified to sail, meaning they must prove they can operate safely with crews on board.
- Cruise companies will carry out simulated journeys with unpaid guest volunteers or crew members playing the role of passengers in order to gain this certification.
- Simulated journeys must provide regular onboard activities like meal service and entertainment.
- Cruise lines must provide enough space for social distancing.
- Ships will be required to have laboratory capacity to ensure that routine testing can be carried out.
- Testing will take place on embarkation and disembarkation.
- Crew members and passengers will be required to wear masks in all public spaces.
- If someone becomes symptomatic, they will be isolated, and the remaining passengers will be quarantined.
- These journeys will be supervised by an agency within the CDC.
This is the first step in the CDC’s phased approach to resuming cruising safely; it doesn’t need to be said that cruising during a global pandemic is very challenging and an uphill battle.
Personally, I am trying to stay optimistic for a vaccine by July 2021 and truly believe that once cruising is back, it will be safer than ever. Until then, I am keeping my finger crossed, keeping my Mediterranean vision board in mind, and keeping everyone here updated on the future of cruising.
Bon voyage for now.
Dreaming of a cruise vacation? Check out our other cruise-related blog posts for inspiration.